Emily In Paris has now become a cultural phenomenon. The Netflix hit has been making headlines for its very clichéd presentation of the food. Do the French always want their meat rare? Are coffee and croissants the national breakfast? Non, say the French. It doesn’t matter, however, as the idea of French dining enamours us. We know it’s clichéd, but we wouldn’t mind being Emily, eating her way through the best French restaurants. If you can’t go to France right now, there are numerous French bistros in Hong Kong that make for a worthy alternative. Find out our top picks below.
Don’t deny it. It is a vicarious (guilty) pleasure to watch Emily. If not for the over-the-top outfits or messy romance then maybe for the more feel-good French dining. But why should we just watch? Hong Kong is dotted with French bistros to try out those steak-frites, pot-au-feu, and soupe à l’oignon. At these Parisan-style restaurants, you can experience a more homely style of cooking, albeit with the optional extra of natural wines and impeccably sourced ingredients.
The bistros we’ve picked stand out from other French restaurants and brasseries thanks to their informal ethos and cuisine. So, whether you’re after escargot or something more original, take your pick from our definitive list of Hong Kong’s best French bistros. They will kid you into thinking you’ve stumbled into Gabriel’s restaurant in Emily in Paris.
So, bag a comfy spot on a banquette, order a kir and settle in for the menu du jour right here in Hong Kong.
The best French bistros in Hong Kong that give Emily in Paris feels
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Louise
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Before gushing about the food at Louise, let’s start with its design. Set in a two-storey heritage building, it’s not a stretch that Louise is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Hong Kong. Rightly so, it serves heart-warming French food for a luxe dining experience. With chef Loïc Portalier at the helm, the Michelin-starred French bistro presents traditional French delicacies with contemporary touches. While the interior is certainly gorgeous, we also recommend the al fresco dining area to channel the inner Emily in Paris dining experience.
LSA recommends:
Smoked Organic Egg, Roasted Yellow Chicken, Angel Hair Pasta, Sauteed Hong Kong Frog Legs
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Vivant
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Reserving a table at Vivant is a must. The space is small yet intimate with a decedent menu that’s worthy of getting booked so fast. Its name Vivant translates to ‘alive’ or ‘lively’ in French which aligns with French food bistronomy. The team at the neo-French restaurant led by Belon and Batard album chef Jeston Chua, boasts instinctive cooking that highlights technique and tradition. Taste bistro-style viands such as Seared Scallops with Pistachio Cream and Boston Lobster. Not up for dinner? The Saturday brunch is just as amazing.
LSA recommends:
Mussels Pain Perdu with Leeks Vinaigrette, Charred Squid with Tomato Sauce, Monkfish with Piquillo Pepper Sauce, Boston Lobster with Vin Jaune Beurre Blanc
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Belon
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A modern French bistro that’s as well suited for a business meal as for a lengthy dinner among friends. Belon, from chefs Matthew Kirkley and Jacob Zuidervliet, is a super elegant Michelin-starred spot that pays homage to traditional French cuisine. Roast Chicken is the star of the show here, but don’t overlook the elevated dishes that come with immaculate presentations as well. Regardless of what you order, you’ll dream about them long after you’ve left the restaurant because of the care put into the dishes. We recommend booking the coveted Kitchen Counter to see firsthand how the dishes are prepared.
LSA recommends:
Smoked Pickin Duck A L’ananas, Whole Roasted Chicken with Petits Pois A la Francais, Cervelas En Brioche with Truffle Gastrique, Tarte Au Foie Gras with Plum and Macadamia Nut
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Maison ES
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With its sun-filled, vintage-inspired venue, Maison ES is perfect for spending laid-back weekend afternoons with your friends and family. Do check out their adorable vintage bicycle on the garden terrace. Besides, the menu includes more original flavour combinations than the usual egg, cheese, ham, and cheese. At the helm are chefs Esther Sham and Eric Cheung who use family recipes with traditional French cooking techniques to create East meets West Asian-French dishes. It’s a great spot to enjoy a touch of “je ne sais quoi.”
LSA recommends:
Cuttlefish Noodles, Silver Pomfret, French Quail, Butternut Squash
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District 8
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You’ve seen Emily and Mindy gossiping right by the sidewalk in the series and you can have a similar experience right here in Hong Kong courtesy of District 8. Minus all the people walking within arm’s length for a little peace. The open-air area certainly makes for a nice relaxing afternoon with Parisian-style dishes reminiscent of steakhouse brasseries. We recommend the midweek set lunch which comes with a choice of two or three courses. As it changes monthly with seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, you always have something new to try. District 8 also has breakfast, a la carte, all-day, brunch, vegetarian, and late-night menu so get you sorted.
LSA recommends:
Smoked Pork belly Salad, Pan-seared Barramundi, French Duck Breast, Rangers Valley Hanger Steak Frites, Burrata and Heirloom Tomatoes
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Bouchon Bistro Français
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Right from the get-go, Bouchon Bistro Français already gave off the vibe of a cosy Parisian-style neighbourhood bistro. And once you step inside, the place is buzzing with lunch or after-work crowd. The striking yellow interior beckons a laid-back meal with friends or colleagues over comforting French food complete with vintage decor. Sample the speciality dishes ranging from char-grilled steaks to crispy frites that go perfectly with some wine. This bistro has an extensive wine collection that will leave you spoiled for choice.
LSA recommends:
Steak Frites, Onion Soup, Marachière, Assiette de Foie Gras, Entrecôte Ribeye
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Jean May
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With its vibrant green exterior, it’s difficult to miss Jean May despite its location on an unassuming street in Wan Chai. Owner and chef Tiffany Lo opened Jean May in dedication to her late grandmother. The relaxed neighbourhood restaurant serves feel-good French food, channelling her experience under the tutelage of French chef Pierre Koffmann. True to its ‘casual’ vibe, the restaurant feels reminiscent of a humble French country home. Make sure to get some wine with the dishes to elevate the dining experience even more.
LSA recommends:
Steak Tartare, Duck à l’orange, Chicken Liver Parfait, Red snapper, Baby Potato, and Leek Fondue, Honey Madeleine
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Bistro du Vin
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Modelled after classic French bistros, the details at Bistro du Vin is close to a tee. The details are eye-catching with charming vintage decor and ornate vintage pieces all around. The space is small but the wooden furniture and tiled floors are enough to impress. When it comes to the food, expect traditional French fare with daily specials available on the chalkboard. Bouillabaisse is a highlight but there are also homemade patés, rillettes and stews. True to its name, Bistro du Vin also offers wine and quite an impressive list at that.
LSA recommends:
Charcoal Grilled Bavette, Whole Roasted Chicken, Lobster Linguine, Duck Leg Confit
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Le Bistro Winebeast
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Le Bistro Winebeast is among the classic gourmet (if ever there were an apt if antiquated word) bistros you return to in Hong Kong again and again. Here, beauty is both in the space and the plate. Chef Léa Cantalloube curates a seasonal menu that is utterly satisfying. The Pithivier of Pigeon and Goie Gras is a must-try here. The bistro, quite simply, offers the best seasonal menu in Hong Kong that changes every few months. If you love wine with your meal, you’re in for a special treat as the bistro pairs wine with modern French dishes. We recommend going for the wine pairing menu to try the best of what they have to offer.
LSA recommends:
French Onion Soup, Perfect Egg, Seared Seabass, Confit Duck Lef, Pithivier of Pigeon and Foie Gras, Chocolate Fondant
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La Cabane
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There’s no escaping a food coma after a meal at La Cabane. This is a gut-busting traditional French meal at its finest whipped with seasonal ingredients and artisanal ingredients. Besides, the dreamy spot is ideal for an intimate dinner or a cosy date with a very French flair. After all, what could be more romantic than sipping on a selection of natural wines along with a lovely meal?
LSA recommends:
Cheese & Meat Broad, Tuna Tartare, Squid Cassolette, Doudin Noir, Lemon Tart
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La Crêperie
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La Crêperie offers Hong Kong a taste of the lesser-known food region of Brittany. The French crêpe or traditional galette is creative, unexpected, and full of diverse flavours—some totally new to taste. Of course, you can try the original flavours too. Enjoy over 30 varieties of sweet and savoury crêpes and galettes that are artfully plated and always so fresh. Plus, there are lunch sets to try that come with a main, drink, and dessert. If La Crêperie happens to be full, you can always drop by its sister restaurant Bistro Breton which specialises in fish and seafood in addition to crêpe. A worthy alternative!
LSA recommends:
La Jamaicaine, La Plougastel, Octopus Carpaccio, La Marin, Lobster Pasta
Additional Information
Hero image credit: Netflix; featured image credit: bistroduvin.hk/Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
French baker Gontran Cherrier now serves authentic French pastries and croissants in K11 Musea.
Épure and Maison ES offer some of the most authentic French dishes in Hong Kong.
Must-try dishes include French Onion Soup and Steak Frites.
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